Native American music is about
much more than just flutes and drums. It's about history,
culture and family. It's about respect for the earth and
spirituality. It's a style of music where the past and present
converge; where traditions are not only remembered but
celebrated.

The
beauty of an eagle soaring across a blue sky, a refreshing afternoon
rainstorm, ripples reflecting on a peaceful stream...these are the
"Musical Visions" that inspire the music of John Huling. Huling is
an artist that is amazingly in touch with the natural world around
us. His music captures, like no other, the true spirit of the Native
Southwest. The artist's expertise lies with the Native American
Flute, an instrument he has been playing for most of his life.
However his musical skills don't end there; just listen to any one of his
albums and you will witness a mosaic of natural ambience,
percussion, multicultural instrumentation and mood, molded with
Huling 's deft hand.

"I absolutely love music. It
has been part of my family's history for more than 400 years if
not more."
states Huling. His own experiences with music extend back to
childhood, when he picked up the flute for the first time at the
age of four. Having grown up in and around Indian Reservations
almost all of his life, Native American culture had a large
impact on his music from the start. "A friend of mine,
Grandfather Semu Haiati of the Chumash tribe, had told me to
...always do your own songs... listen to the spirit and the song
will come." says Huling.

He obviously
took that advice, given the unique sound and direction of his
music. In fact, Huling is one of the original pioneers of Native
American fusion sound...also know as "Native American
Influenced" music so emulated today. Huling easily take his
rightful place alongside such names as R. Carlos Nakai, Coyote
Oldman and Douglas Spotted Eagle. "I wanted a sound that was
between Steve Roach and R. Carlos Nakai, with anything I could
bring to it. Out of that desire my true music was born... a
combination of organic instruments blended with nature
recordings." says Huling.

Although Huling's
name has become synonymous with native American flute music, Huling also plays
other instruments as well, like percussion/drums, guitar, piano
and synthesizers. His love for the Native flute truly blossomed in the
80's, around the time he released his first solo album in 1983.
Several songs made it in the top 10 radio play lists. In the
late 80's, he began incorporating new elements into his music,
meaning synthesizers and studio work designed to give the music
a soft, fluid feel. His move into public consciousness was
cemented with his 1993 album
SPIRITLANDS, which has been a perennial bestseller for
nearly 20 years! A handful of other albums followed... each
similar, yet unique in their own way. "My compositions are
largely determined by my surroundings. That's why I spend so
much time in various parts of the country." Huling said
accounting for the different colors of each of his releases.

Huling hit
an all-time high note with the sublime 2003 album ANCESTRAL WATERS, which
invokes the beauty and peacefulness of our nation's waterways.
The album displayed that Huling continues to be prolific
composer and arranger of inspired Native Influenced music. The
flutist returned this summer with a brand new release titled UNDER DESERT SKIES, which
transports the listener to the scenic mesas and canyons of the
Southwest. This new album is a continuation of the "Spiritlands"
and "Musical Visions of the Southwest" series he started in
1990.

Above all,
John Huling aspires to create music that positively affects the
spirit. It means a lot to him when he hears
feedback from listeners detailing the benefits his music has
brought them. "The best rewards for me have been the thousands
of letters I have received over the last 20 years from fans." Huling
said. Judging by the quality of his new album, UNDER DESERT SKIES, I
think it's safe to say that he can expect plenty more letters in
the years to come.

Winter Solstice – Southwest Meditations
Both the chill of winter and the warmth of John Huling's music are blended together on WINTER SOLSTICE, an album loaded with the gorgeous compositions we have come to expect from Huling.
Themed after the meditative beauty of a Southwest winter, the songs bear a haunting elegance, where the melodic and harmonious tones of the Native American flute offer a sublime focal point.
Low-key beats and percussive instruments join in to add to the earthy elements of this wonderful recording; in particular, the hollow, metallic bell like sound of the Hang Drum, and mysterious voice quality of the Cristal Baschet coupled with nature sounds make this a unique and stand out "must have" album. Also try North Star Meditations.

Dan Cowan
MUSIC IN REVIEW

I bought Jelly Music at the beautiful Shedd Aquarium in Chicago while on vacation. I have never purchased this kind of music before and it is a wonderful experience. My husband and I listen to it before we go to bed, and now are addicted to it. The melodies are soothing, relaxing and the ocean sounds are haunting and magical. It feels luxurious and we look forward to creating a peaceful mood that lulls us to sleep, letting the cares of the world fall away. I just ordered two more of his CD's, which feature Native American music, and look forward to more of the mystical atmosphere John Huling creates. I am sure that masseuses across America must use this as background music, as well as the Monterey Bay Aquarium for their exhibits. Listening to Huling at home is such a treat, I wish that I had discovered him years ago, but better late than never! Treat yourself!

Michelle McKenzie/Monterey California USA

I first became aware of John's music when I worked at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and have been a huge fan ever since. I love the quiet beauty of this album. It reminds me of walking in a pueblo as the sky grew dark...all around me was quiet and there was magic in the air.Signup for John Huling's private email